5 early Commanders cut candidates next spring at the 2023 midseason point
By Dean Jones
Commanders could cut Logan Thomas
- Cap savings - $6.56 million
- Dead money - $1.75 million
It's been refreshing to see Logan Thomas put a consistent run of games together this season. The tight end's endured some rough injury luck of late, but he's remained relatively healthy and has become a reliable weapon for quarterback Sam Howell to call upon across the middle and in the red zone.
The numbers are not spectacular by any stretch. But Howell's level of comfort when targeting Thomas is a testament to the strong rapport between the pair if nothing else.
Thomas has brought in 33 receptions from 46 targets for 311 receiving yards and three touchdowns up to now. If the same trend continues over the second half of 2023, the converted quarterback could be in line for his best statistical campaign since 2020.
Whether that would be enough for Thomas to get another year - the last of his deal - remains to be seen. The Virginia Tech product is set to count $8.31 million against the Commanders' salary cap in 2024, which means cutting the player with $6.56 million in savings attached cannot be completely dismissed.
Washington would need a contingency plan if this is the path they choose. New analytics guru Eugene Shen spoke recently about the importance of having a prolific tight end, so going down the draft route for someone like Brock Bowers is an option to consider.
Cole Turner, John Bates, and Curtis Hodges also remain on the books for now. So letting Thomas go and acquiring a legitimate No. 1 option from the college ranks will be discussed at length, one suspects.